As the world confronts the devastating reality that nearly 2.4 billion people – almost 30% of the global population – lack adequate access to food,¹ Stellenbosch University's Centre for Social Justice (“CSJ") & multiple global and national partners including government and the United Nations, are convening global leaders, policy makers, government leaders, the judiciary, leading scholars and civil society to tackle one of the most pressing humanitarian crises of our time: hunger.

The 5^th International Social Justice Conference focusing on Social Justice and Zero Hunger will take place on 17 October 2024 at the Artscape Theatre Centre, Cape Town, South Africa. The outcomes of the Conference will feed into the 6^th Annual Social Justice Summit, which will take place on 18 October 2024. This timely gathering will also inform the upcoming UN hosted Second World Summit for Social Development in 2025.

“Hunger is not merely a lack of food; it is a symptom of broader social and economic injustices," says Prof Thuli Madonsela, Director of the CSJ. “By looking at hunger through a social justice lens, we work towards a more just and equitable world by addressing the root causes of hunger. These primarily lie in a confluence of socio-economic inequalities and disruptions in the domestic and global food and nutrition systems."

The Role of Social Justice in Addressing Hunger

The conference and summit will explore how hunger is intricately linked to systemic inequalities, including poverty, lack of access to education, and inadequate healthcare. Also highlighted will be the link between hunger and other global challenges such as environmental justice and peace. The discussions which will pair the SDG on Zero HUNGER (SDG 2) with the human right to food will focus on targeted solutions that promote equality and social justice.

Key topics will include:

• Hunger as a Human Rights and Justice Issue: Hunger violates fundamental human rights, including the rights to health, an adequate standard of living and human dignity. A social justice framework emphasises the need to uphold these rights for all individuals.
• Tackling Systemic Barriers: Both the conference and summit will address the systemic barriers that limit access to food, such as economic inequality and lack of opportunities. This holistic approach calls for government-led interventions to dismantle these obstacles.
• Impact of Climate Change and Conflict: The discussions will also highlight the pressing threats posed by climate change and conflict on food security, emphasising the need for international cooperation and legal frameworks to achieve Zero Hunger.

These solutions-orientated discussions will be led by a line-up of distinguished of national and international academics and leaders, including:

• Ms Maria Fernanda Espinosa (Former President of the United Nations General Assembly)
• Minister Ronald Lamola (Department of International Relations and Cooperation)
• Justice Edwin Cameron (Retired Justice of the Constitutional Court, South Africa)
• Minister Khumbudzo Phophi Ntshavheni (Minister in the Presidency) 
• Prof Scott Drimie (Southern African Food Lab Director, Faculty of Agri-Sciences, Stellenbosch University)
• Prof Julian May (University of the Western Cape)
• Mr Nelson Muffuh (United Nations Resident Coordinator, South Africa)
• Ms Neo Sediti Director, National School Nutrition Programme (Department of Basic Education)
• Prof Thuli Madonsela (Director of the Centre for Social Justice, Stellenbosch University)

A Coalition of Partners Committed to Finding Solutions

Recognising the urgency of this issue, a coalition of national and international partners has joined hands to support the conference and summit in a collective commitment to finding sustainable solutions to the global hunger crisis. These partners include the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, the United Nations South Africa Office, the South African Human Rights Commission, the Southern Africa Food Lab, and the Daily Maverick among others.

International Relations Director General, Zane Dangor: “The 2024 International Social Justice Conference and Social Justice Summit takes place at a critical juncture, with six years left to 2030. Today we see the levels of hunger in parts of the world which have not been seen since 2005.  The already faltering progress is further compounded by the current food, energy and finance crises, as well as ongoing climate-related disasters, conflicts and foreign occupation. All these challenges require that we strengthen multilateralism and a global partnership for development."

According to Mr. Nelson Muffuh, the head of the UN in South Africa and its Resident Coordinator, “Achieving SDG 2 on Zero Hunger is not just a goal for us to meet but a fundamental human right. All sectors and stakeholders need to collectively ensure that no one is left behind in our pursuit of food security and social justice through a transformed food system," he said, adding, “This conference allows us to come together to build a world and a future where everyone has access to adequate nutrition, wellbeing, and dignity."

Event Details

The event will be conducted in a hybrid format, allowing participants the flexibility to attend either in person at the Artscape Theatre Centre in Cape Town or online. Tickets for the 2024 International Conference on Social Justice and Zero Hunger, and the 6^th Annual Social Justice Summit are now available. Join us in Cape Town to be part of this critical global conversation and contribute to the solutions needed to achieve a just and hunger-free world.

Ticket Information

In-person attendance:

• International Conference on Social Justice and Zero Hunger: R500 per person
• Social Justice Summit: R500 per person
• Combined Ticket for Both Events: R850 per person
• Group Discounts and Sponsorships Available

Online tickets for keynote plenary sessions:

• R250

Tickets available at Quicket: https://bit.ly/4dZa3yQ

About Stellenbosch University's Centre for Social Justice

The CSJ is a platform that undertakes research, innovative policy tools design, training and stakeholder management to promote social justice scholarship and consciousness, public policy design skills and collaboration, in academia and society, to accelerate social justice.

Media Contact(s)

Lindokuhle Xaba

CSJ Media Intern

0637251073[email protected]

Thembalethu Seyisi

Project Manager: 5^th International Social Justice Conference

0727853218

[email protected]